Get 10% off all year round! Join Thryft Club
Get 10% off all year round and $10 off your next order! Join Thryft Club
Buy 3 Get Another Free On All Under S$10

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Check out these collections!

Bestselling Fiction
Bestselling Nonfiction
Bestselling Books for Children
Vintage and Rare Books
Vinyl Records
Women's Clothing
Men's Clothing

Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.
Popular Filters Business Entrepreneurship Historical Inspirational Mental Health Music Politics Technology

66 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!
Asia
Clear all

66 Results

No results

No results

Asia
Clear all
Heaven and Earth: Child of War, Woman of Peace - Thryft
Le Ly Hayslip | Pan Macmillan

Heaven and Earth: Child of War, Woman of Peace

from $3.90 Save up to 51%

Goodreads rating: 3.82

from $3.90 Save up to 51%

In stock: Very Good, Well Read

This book could be a good read for someone who enjoys powerful memoirs that delve into personal growth and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Le Ly Hayslip's captivating storytelling transports readers through her journey from war-torn Vietnam to finding peace in the United States. With vivid descriptions and emotional depth, Hayslip's memoir captivates readers with its exploration of themes such as healing, identity, and the pursuit of peace. This book will leave you inspired and moved by the author's incredible resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers - Thryft
Sold out
Loung Ung | Harper Perennial

First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

from $8.09

Goodreads rating: 4.33

from $8.09

Out of stock

This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
Sold out
Jung Chang | Flamingo An Imprint Of Harpercollins Publishers

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China

$6.90 from $3.90 Save up to 51%

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$6.90 from $3.90 Save up to 51%

Out of stock

Recommended for history buffs, particularly those interested in China's past and the experiences of women throughout the tumultuous times. This book is a gripping account of three generations of women as they navigate through significant events in China's history. It provides unique insights into the culture and politics of China, whilst simultaneously highlighting the challenges and resilience of women during this period.
One Man's View of the World - Thryft
Sold out
Lee Kuan Yew | Straits Times Press Books

One Man's View of the World

from $6.90

Goodreads rating: 4.53

from $6.90

Out of stock

This book could be a good read for someone seeking the insights of a highly respected and experienced leader on global affairs. Lee Kuan Yew's unique perspective, gained through his interactions with key world leaders, offers a fresh and candid take on the future of major powers like China, America, and Europe. Through thought-provoking analysis, he explores society, beliefs, and the prospects of nations in the upcoming balance of power. The Q&A sections with journalists provide an additional layer of depth to this gripping read, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the global landscape.
Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China - Thryft
Sold out
Alec Ash | Picador

Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China

from $8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.22

from $8.26

Out of stock

This is the generation that will change China. The youth, over 320 million of them in their teens and twenties, more than the population of the USA. Born after Mao, with no memory of Tiananmen, they are destined to transform both their nation and the world.These millennials, offspring of the one-child policy, face fierce competition to succeed. Pressure starts young, and their road isn't easy. Their stories are also like those of young people all over the world: moving out of home, starting a career, falling in love.Wish Lanterns follows the lives of six young Chinese. Dahai is a military child and netizen; 'Fred' is a daughter of the Party. Lucifer is an aspiring superstar; Snail a country migrant addicted to online games. Xiaoxiao is a hipster from the freezing north; Mia a rebel from Xinjiang in the far west.Alec Ash, a writer in Beijing of the same generation, has given us a vivid, gripping account of young China as it comes of age. Through individual stories, Wish Lanterns shows with empathy and insight the challenges and dreams that will define China's future global impact.
The Girl with Seven Names: Escape from North Korea
Sold out
David John, Hyeonseo Lee  | Harpercollins

The Girl with Seven Names: Escape from North Korea

$8.90 from $7.90 Save 11%

Goodreads rating: 4.42

$8.90 from $7.90 Save 11%

Out of stock

This book is a gripping and heart-wrenching memoir written by Hyeonseo Lee, who defied all odds to escape from North Korea and reunite with her family after 12 years. The unique appeal of this book lies in its firsthand account of life under the secretive North Korean regime and the terrifying struggle for freedom. It sheds light on the harsh realities faced by its citizens and offers a powerful story of resilience, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. For anyone interested in understanding the true cost of living in a totalitarian state, this book is a must-read.
Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West - Thryft
Sold out
Blaine Harden | Penguin Books

Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West

from $7.59

Goodreads rating: 4.0

from $7.59

Out of stock

"Escape from Camp 14" is a vivid account of the life inside North Korea's political prison. The book portrays the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born inside one of these camps to have escaped. It highlights the inhumane conditions of the political prison camps and the brutalities people had to deal with on a daily basis. It is a must-read for those interested in human rights and political issues.
Red Dust - Thryft
Sold out
Ma Jian | Vintage Books

Red Dust

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.85

from $8.90

Out of stock

Red Dust is a must-read for those interested in China's recent history and culture. Through Ma Jian's insightful journey, readers can gain a unique perspective on China's societal challenges. The book is a compelling mix of beautiful descriptions of the country's natural beauty and commentary on the repressive nature of China's government in the 1980s.
The Singapore Story : Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew - Thryft
Sold out
Lee Kuan Yew | Times Media Private Limited

The Singapore Story : Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew

from $3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.44

from $3.88

Out of stock

This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, leadership, and the incredible transformation of Singapore. Through the eyes of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, you'll gain insights into his visionary leadership and the strategies he employed to turn a small, resource-poor nation into a thriving global hub. Lee's candid and pragmatic approach to governance will leave you inspired and in awe of Singapore's success story.
Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found
New
Suketu Mehta | Headline Review

Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

Recommended for those who want a deep dive into the complex cultural tapestry of Bombay. Mehta's storytelling offers readers a glimpse into the city's underbelly of crime, glamour, and politics. Readers will appreciate the rich cast of characters and Mehta's personal perspective on his hometown.
Malaysian Maverick : Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times - Thryft
Sold out
Barry Wain | Palgrave Macmillan

Malaysian Maverick : Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times

from $42.20

Goodreads rating: 4.09

from $42.20

Out of stock

Recommended for readers interested in Malaysian politics and economics, seeking to understand the complex character of Mahathir Mohamad who combined economic pragmatism with repressive political policies, and who sought to represent the Third World and Islam in the face of Western dominance. The book portrays the leader as a strong-willed, independent-minded, and unyielding figure who left a mixed legacy for Malaysia.
Raffles: The Definitive Biography
Sold out
Maurice Collis | Marshall Cavendish Editions

Raffles: The Definitive Biography

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you’re fascinated by history and the birth of Southeast Asia's modern landscape, "Raffles. The Definitive Biography" is a compelling dive into the life of a man whose impact is still felt today. Maurice Collis offers a nuanced look at Raffles, humanizing the legend without diminishing the grandeur of his contributions. It’s perfect for those who appreciate historical depth mingled with the vibrancy of an individual’s life story.
Red China Blues: My Long March from Mao to Now : My Long March from Mao to Now - Thryft
Sold out
Jan Wong | Anchor

Red China Blues: My Long March from Mao to Now : My Long March from Mao to Now

from $8.13

Goodreads rating: 4.08

from $8.13

Out of stock

Red China Blues gives readers a first-world perspective of China from the height of Maoism to Deng Xiaoping's capitalist reforms. Through the author's personal experiences, she provides insight on how communism affected individuals in China, and how the Chinese society struggled to cope with communist ideals. This book is suitable for readers interested in history and political science.
From Emperor to Citizen : Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi - Thryft
Sold out
Pu Yi, W.J.F. Jenner  | Foreign Languages Press

From Emperor to Citizen : Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi

from $8.02

Goodreads rating: 3.81

from $8.02

Out of stock

It is a great read for history enthusiasts who want to know about the last emperor of China's life. The book covers his life as a puppet emperor of "Manchukuo", his journey of being in war criminal prisons, and his life after his pardon as an ordinary citizen of People's China. The book offers a unique perspective on Chinese history and the remoulding of a person through political and social changes.
Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - Thryft
Sold out
Adeline Yen Mah | Broadway Books

Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

from $6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.9

from $6.34

Out of stock

Born in 1937 in a port city a thousand miles north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of a cruel and manipulative Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive through her enduring faith in family unity, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer.A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. With a powerful voice that speaks of the harsh realities of growing up female in a family and society that kept girls in emotional chains, Falling Leaves is a work of heartfelt intimacy and a rare authentic portrait of twentieth-century China.
Boxer Rebellion : The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners that Shook the World in the Summ er of 1900 - Thryft
Sold out
Diana Preston | Berkley Books

Boxer Rebellion : The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners that Shook the World in the Summ er of 1900

from $7.54

Goodreads rating: 3.78

from $7.54

Out of stock

This book provides a rich account of the Boxer Rebellion and its impact on the world, with a balanced take on the perspectives of both the Chinese and the foreigners involved. It is a great read for anyone interested in the clash between different cultures and ideologies, and how this clash can sometimes lead to violent extremism and tragic consequences. The author's extensive research and engaging writing style make this book a page-turner, despite its length and complexity.

Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.